From the Garden to the City: The Redeeming and Corrupting Power of Technology by John Dyer

Jun 29, 2012 Douglas Wilson rated it 4 of 5 stars · review of another edition

Shelves: church-and-culture, culture-studies

This was an outstanding book -- I really enjoyed it. I will be commenting on it further on my blog, but for the present let me say that there is a wealth of balanced information here about technology that will prove to be a great practical blessing to any Christian who wants to know how to incorporate new technologies into a sane lifestyle. Great job.

8 likes · like · see review

Feb 16, 2013 Helen rated it 4 of 5 stars

Take a moment to survey the number of electronic gadgets you have within easy reach right this moment. You probably have a cell phone in your pocket, a computer right in front of you, and a tablet not too far away. In fact, you are surrounded with more technology than you even realize, and it is changing you in ways you probably do not suspect. As a Christian, this should be concerning to you. How should Christians interact with technology? Is it truly the soul-consuming demon some alarmists mak...more Take a moment to survey the number of electronic gadgets you have within easy reach right this moment. You probably have a cell phone in your pocket, a computer right in front of you, and a tablet not too far away. In fact, you are surrounded with more technology than you even realize, and it is changing you in ways you probably do not suspect. As a Christian, this should be concerning to you. How should Christians interact with technology? Is it truly the soul-consuming demon some alarmists make it out to be? These are some of the concerns addressed in John Dyer’s book From the Garden to the City: The Redeeming and Corrupting Power of Technology.

The first chapter contains a reflection on the confusion with which people view technology. Dyer relates such anecdotes as the mother who laments that her children spend all their time on Facebook- instead of talking to their friends on the phone (27)! She forgets that even though she grew up with telephones, they are still a form of technology. Dyer sites Neil Postman’s theory of “The Myth of Technology,” the tendency to believe that technologies created before our time or several years ago as part of the normal order of things. In the second chapter, he describes the nature of technology’s effect on people: how it changes the world around the user while simultaneously changing the user, and ultimately affecting the user’s soul.

With these concerns in mind, Dyer embarks on his quest to give a complete Christian theology of technology by exploring its role in the Christian story. This takes the form of a four-part history of technology in the Bible: Reflection/Creation, Rebellion/the Fall, Redemption, and Restoration. Each section is followed by a related question and discussion. He begins at the very beginning, with Creation. He argues that as creatures created in the image of God, people are meant to themselves create. Adam’s first task is creating a language, for example. Following that is a definition of what technology actually is. He takes a very broad (perhaps too broad view), defining it as anything humanity uses to change the world around it. Next is a discussion of the fall, and how it amply demonstrates that while technology has been corrupted by the fall, it is not entirely a negative thing. Adam and Eve make the first clothing in order to hide their nakedness from God, but God shows them how to make better clothing. Meanwhile, Cain uses technology and builds a corrupt city. Afterwards, Dyer asks the question “Is technology neutral?” and comes to the conclusion that it is not; in fact, it comes with embedded values, which emerge as people define its use.

Thirdly, he addresses Redemption. He does not claim that technology by itself is the means to an eternal life, but that it has been used by God in His redemption plans. Examples cited include Noah’s Ark, the Ten Commandments, and the cross itself: a twisted technology made into a symbol of redemption by Christ’s death upon it. Finally is Restoration, which looks at its role in modern Christian life and its possible future after Jesus’s return. The book closes with a discussion of technicism (the modern view that technology holds all the answers to life) and virtualization (the move toward conducting more and more of our interaction with life through mediating technology).

I highly recommend this book. It is much like the latest version of a mid-range PC: though it contains few truly novel concepts, it is well-designed, attractively packaged, and user-friendly. It provides a nearly comprehensive Christian theology of technology by taking many familiar concepts (and a few new ones) and knitting them together into a cohesive whole. As such, it could serve as both a technological primer for the theological neophyte and a unified view for one already familiar with the concepts discussed. The writing tone is conversational, and an abundance of amusing anecdotes makes it readily readable.

Christians are not called to intellectual atrophy. Rather, they are supposed to lead thoughtful lives. In order to live in the world but not of it, Christians must carefully consider every aspect of their lives and how each aspect might affect their Christian walk. Modern technology is a huge part of our daily lives, and is definitely a complex issue. It isn’t easy to form a Christian perspective on it, especially as at first glance the Bible does not have much to say. Jesus had plenty of followers, but none of them were on Facebook! John Dyer does Christians an invaluable service when he explains that the Bible does indeed have plenty to say about technology, and goes on to explain it in a well-reasoned way. Furthermore, he does an excellent job of stripping away one’s illusions about what technology actually is and what it actually does. Chapter Six in particular is a good treatment of the controversial topic of the neutrality (or lack thereof) of technology, though it perhaps could have been presented more clearly.

The only truly lacking aspect of the book was the too-brief look at how the Industrial Revolution led to a consumerist society (150-153). While that may be true, Dyer’s attempt to reach that conclusion by giving what is essentially a very brief and oversimplified history of the last few hundred years’ development in marketing and economy. Bizarrely, he focuses almost entirely on the supply side of the supply-demand equation, skipping blithely over such issues as the rise of the middle class as a people hungry for luxury and setting up suppliers as nebulously nefarious villains. Four pages is simply not enough room to address a complicated subject like that, and he would have done well to either spend more time exploring the topic or left it out entirely. This may seem nit-picky, but when the rest of a book is absolutely excellent, a passage such as this one with its rushed argument and insufficient evidence sticks out like a Ford Pinto in a lot full of Rolls Royces.

I learned a lot while reading this book. In the past, I have tended to adopt new technologies without pausing to consider what affect they might be having upon me. I know I will not be doing that anymore. For Lent, I have decided to avoid watching movies and videos. Dyer mentioned that not using a certain technology changes one as much as using a technology does. It will be interesting to see how the next forty days will alter me. Also, I had never really considered technology as having any great role within the Bible. As Dyer walked through the many examples, I was able to see certain passages of the Bible in an entirely new light. It is proof that no matter how many times you read even the most familiar Bible stories, there is still new lessons hidden within them.

John Dyer’s From the Garden to the City may not be without flaws. However, it is an excellent, very readable look at a pressing subject. It presents a clear theology of technology. It has clear applications to one’s Christian walk. I wholeheartedly recommend this book.
(less)

1 like · like · see review

Sep 30, 2011 Brenda Casto rated it 4 of 5 stars

Lets face it we are all slaves to technology, from the cars we drive to the computers we use, we are so used to these things that we couldn't even begin to imagine life without them, and it seems that things are updated so quickly that they are obselete before you even get that tricky packaging off often making us feel the need to constantly update. Is it possible as Christians to live a faith based life and also embrace technology?
"From The Garden To The City" uses scriptures as well as person...more

like · see review

Sep 29, 2011 Tami rated it 5 of 5 stars

Awaiting the arrival of this book, I wondered just how much the author would bash cell phones and the internet. I use both excessively and I honestly didn’t want to hear it. Yes, my curiosity got the best of me, so I decided I’d read the book.

I liked this book!

I thought technology began somewhere in the last hundred years, but the author took me on a road trip back to the beginning of time to prove otherwise. Who knew that technology is nothing new! The connection made between technology and God...more

like · see review

Sep 26, 2011 Victor Gentile rated it 5 of 5 stars

John Dyer in his new book “From the Garden to the City" published by Kregel Publications explores The Redeeming and Corrupting Power of Technology.

John Dyer points out that technology and technology advances have been with us from The Garden Of Eden when Adam made a covering of fig leaves and then God made a covering made from an animal. There are three ways that technology changes things: 1) Humans shape the world using tools. Man has a shovel, man digs, the world now has holes from the digging...more John Dyer in his new book “From the Garden to the City" published by Kregel Publications explores The Redeeming and Corrupting Power of Technology.

John Dyer points out that technology and technology advances have been with us from The Garden Of Eden when Adam made a covering of fig leaves and then God made a covering made from an animal. There are three ways that technology changes things: 1) Humans shape the world using tools. Man has a shovel, man digs, the world now has holes from the digging. 2) The tools, in turn, shape humans. Using the shovel to dig develops muscles in the humans arms and back. 3) The tools shape our souls. Do we decide that the shovel can be used to benefit humankind or do we decide to benefit ourselves?

The book title "From the Garden to the City" shows how important technology is in the Bible! While the Bible begins in the Garden, it ends in a City - the Heavenly Jerusalem. The book is organized around the 4-fold movement of God in his relation to man: Creation-Fall-Redemption-Restoration.

"From the Garden to the City" helps us deal with the increasing advances in technology and how we should address ourselves to it. John Dyer helps to open our eyes to how technology is presented to us and the implications that presentation has on us. This is a book that should be read slowly as it has ideas that may be new to most of us and should be considered before moving on to the next topic. "From the Garden to the City" will keep you thinking. I recommend this book highly

If you would like to listen to interviews with other authors and professionals please go to www.kingdomhighlights.org where they are available On Demand.

To listen to 24 hours non-stop Christian music please visit our internet radio station http://www.kingdomairwaves.org

Disclosure of Material Connection: I received this book free from Kregel Publications. I was not required to write a positive review. The opinions I have expressed are my own. I am disclosing this in accordance with the Federal Trade Commission’s 16 CFR, Part 255 : “Guides Concerning the Use of Endorsements and Testimonials in Advertising.”(less)

like · see review

Sep 21, 2011 Kathleen (Kat) Smith rated it 5 of 5 stars

Shelves: christian-living, christian-self-help, non-fiction

Ever wonder if technology is becoming too powerful in our daily lives? Besides noticing how people rarely meet face to face these days in light of access to social media sites and the benefits of instant messaging and text messaging, even the average phone call is almost becoming obsolete. So is technology really helping us or hurting us?

In the recent book, From The Garden to the City by John Dyer, he discusses the benefits of the redeeming and corrupting power of technology in our lives. From e...more Ever wonder if technology is becoming too powerful in our daily lives? Besides noticing how people rarely meet face to face these days in light of access to social media sites and the benefits of instant messaging and text messaging, even the average phone call is almost becoming obsolete. So is technology really helping us or hurting us?

In the recent book, From The Garden to the City by John Dyer, he discusses the benefits of the redeeming and corrupting power of technology in our lives. From early childhood most of us older adults remember how we spent our time before the invention of the mobile phone and the computers. We spent our time out with friends, usually playing all kinds of games from hide and seek or using our imagination and pretending we lived in other worlds or times.

Now this generation doesn't have to pretend with the internet. They can play role playing games on line with users from all over the world, or even just by themselves. Hooked up to headphones, wireless devices and high speed internet, they can get lost in virtual worlds we could only dream of so long ago. So is this benefiting us or harming us?

"Technology in the last century has had more advances than in the last thousand years. Abe Lincoln and Abraham from the Bible have more in common than anyone born in the 1900's. They were both separated by some 3800 years. Abraham's father raised cattle, and Mr. Lincoln planted pumpkins. We spend most of our time indoors working at desks with little knowledge of the natural world. Both men attended small religious gatherings with people they knew from the surrounding areas. We drive several miles to sit in huge auditoriums and watch screens with thousands of people, many of whom are strangers. Their water supply and bathrooms were outside; ours are inside. They lived in small, one-bedroom dwellings lit by candles; we live in comparatively enormous homes equipped with electricity, phone, cable and Internet lines. They wrote letters and spoke in person; we write electronically and speak through devices. They weathered the seasons; we control the weather with air-conditioning. "(pg 21-22).

It all depends on the perspective in how it's being used, some people are waiting for the advancement of medical technology so we can live even longer if not forever, but God has a definitive time line. This world, will not, last forever despite what technology claims it can do.

I received this book compliments of Kregel Publishers for my honest review and LOVED seeing things from a completely different perspective in addition to what references the Bible makes in regards to technology. I think John's research into the areas of how far we have advanced in technology and some of the dangers that exist for people to use it for their personal gains is insightful and one every Christian should read. It even shows how some well-meaning uses of technology in the church can also have a destructive effect in how people view the services and the Bible as well. I would rate this book a 5 out of 5 stars and highly recommend it to any parent who tells their kids to stop spending so much time texting!(less)

like · see review

Jul 25, 2011 Adam Shields rated it 5 of 5 stars

Short review: This is the best book on Technology and Christianity I have read. I have read a number and always thought they fell short, either because they started with a very negative view of technology but failed to show theologically why they held the view, or because they did not understand how technology worked or because they just uncritically accepted technology without proper reflection. John Dyer manages to explain how technology works on us (and he starts with a basic and broad idea o...more

like · see review

Oct 28, 2011 Mark Ward rated it 4 of 5 stars

Shelves: kindle, 2011

A little story at the very beginning of this book is the one that has stuck with me:

Throughout my years in seminary, I continued to study and work hard in both theological studies and programming. I spent as much time learning Greek and Hebrew as I did learning languages like PHP, C#, Python, HTML, and JavaScript. But in my final semester of seminary, a professor, who was known both for his brilliance and shocking, out-of-nowhere statements, said something that changed everything for me. In the

...more A little story at the very beginning of this book is the one that has stuck with me:

Throughout my years in seminary, I continued to study and work hard in both theological studies and programming. I spent as much time learning Greek and Hebrew as I did learning languages like PHP, C#, Python, HTML, and JavaScript. But in my final semester of seminary, a professor, who was known both for his brilliance and shocking, out-of-nowhere statements, said something that changed everything for me. In the middle of addressing a variety of current issues in society and culture, he looked straight at all of us and said, “One of the most dangerous things you can believe in this world is that technology is neutral.” Wait, what? I thought. Surely, he must have misspoken. After all, nothing could be more obvious than the fact that technology is neutral. What matters is that we use technology for good, right?

Dyer brings up this issue later in the book, and he helpfully frames a question that far too few people are asking: is technology a neutral instrument or does it in some measure determine the ends to which it is put?

Dyer's answer is no: technology is not neutral. Neither is it fully determinist, making anyone do anything. But we have to recognize that, as media ecologists have pointed out, technologies tend to "play themselves out" within a culture. They do what they were designed to do (even if the designer isn't always aware how choices he's making in the design will influence that play). A great example is cellphones:

The presence of a cell phone in my pocket means that my conceptions of space, time, and limits are radically different than a world without cell phones…. When people have cell phones, they tend to answer them when a call comes in. A person is free to use a phone as a paperweight, doorstop, or hammer, but people will tend to use phones to accomplish what they were designed to do—communicate with people. The longer a tool has been around and the more often we use it, the more ingrained and culturally acceptable its tendencies become. Individuals are still free to discard it or use it in some way other than its original design, but the tool has a specific tendency that will usually prevail among the masses. For example, when mobile phones first came on the market, most people bought them only for emergency or business use. Yet, it seems that mobile phones have the built-in tendency to be used much more often, especially as they continue to gain features far beyond making calls. Instrumentalism is partially true in the sense that individuals are free to use phones however they please, but determinism also has an element of truth in that society at large tends to use the technology in a certain way.

Dyer has done better than Challies, for example, in bringing in the insights of media ecology for Christian discussion of technology. He also used Andy Crouch's work helpfully, speaking of a given piece of technology as a "cultural good."

I believe I agree with several reviewers that this is the Christian book to read about technology.(less)

like · see review

Sep 25, 2011 Kevin Sorensen rated it 5 of 5 stars

I started skimming this book to determine if I would:

1. Enjoy it at all
2. Want to read it more thoroughly

Both became a quick reality. Dyer had me with the opening chapter on Perspective. I am one (was one?) who falls into Douglas Adams' third category of those who view technology: "anything that gets invented after you're thirty is against the natural order of things and the beginning of the end of civilisation as we know it until it's been around for about ten years when it gradually turns out...more

like · see review

Jan 27, 2012 Joel Arnold rated it 3 of 5 stars

I've heard other reviewers call this the best Christian book to read on technology, and I definitely agree. Unfortunately, that doesn't mean it's a great book or even a good book. When Dyer sticks to the task of building a biblical theology of technology his work is (usually) excellent. Where he goes wrong is in his reliance on the McLuhan / Postman line of thought with all of the normal intellectual faults media ecology brings: (1) untenable historiography, (2) postmodern emphasis on the contex...more

1 like · like · see review

Mar 26, 2012 Tessa rated it 4 of 5 stars

A fine introduction to the predicament of the technological age and a wake-up call to those who still doubt that technology is not neutral. A good introduction―no radical answers, no call to smash machines nor overtake Twitter for Christ―and a volume that provides a platform for asking the right questions and that lays out both technology's historical and theological contexts and the contemporary technological quandaries we face.

In brief, Dyer says we need to intentionally create focal places in...more

like · see review

Jul 25, 2011 Charles Erlandson rated it 5 of 5 stars

From the Garden to the City is a must-read book for those who want to think in a wise and godly way about the technologies that transform our lives, even as we use them to transform the world. Dyer writes as a committed Christian with a degree in theology, as well as someone immersed in all the latest technologies. What he writes is something the Church needs to hear.

A more complete review on my Amazon page at http://www.amazon.com/gp/cdp/member-r...

like · see review

Sep 10, 2012 Katelyn Irons rated it 5 of 5 stars · review of another edition

From the Garden to the City is an engaging read which takes the reader on a journey of self discovery in their use of technology. John Dyer has a great power over words and uses this to bring the reader to their own realizations that technology is never neutral. Dyer’s main focus is on “the redeeming and corrupting power of technology.” This he shows with examples from the Bible and anecdotes. I think this book is very beneficial especially for those of us who grew up in the information age wit...more

like · see review

May 05, 2013 Jason Custer rated it 5 of 5 stars

Until reading this book, I had never thought very critically or "Christianly" about technology and how it influences my life - I just used it mindlessly. Dyer provides a great introduction to a theology of technology and follows the biblical development of technology throughout the book. If you have not read much on technology, then this book will give you a good overview of many of the key thinkers (Marshall McLuhan, Neil Postman, etc.) and help you think critically about how and why you use te...more

like · see review

Dec 29, 2011 Lisa Johnson rated it 5 of 5 stars · review of another edition

I was not sure exactly what I expected when I signed up to read and blog this particular book. Perhaps one thing I was looking for was what perspective it would place before its’ readers. I was not raised with a computer keyboard, but a typewriter. I was not raised in a time when people sent text messages, but instead wrote letters, sent cards, or called. Having to learn how to use a computer, how to navigate the World Wide Web, learn about various browsers, and so much more has been a long and...more I was not sure exactly what I expected when I signed up to read and blog this particular book. Perhaps one thing I was looking for was what perspective it would place before its’ readers. I was not raised with a computer keyboard, but a typewriter. I was not raised in a time when people sent text messages, but instead wrote letters, sent cards, or called. Having to learn how to use a computer, how to navigate the World Wide Web, learn about various browsers, and so much more has been a long and continual process. Yes, there have been times I wanted to throw the computer out the window! That could be a little expensive to say the least.
Over time I have started to see changes in the local Body of fellowship using new technological tools. In the stores there seems to be someone talking all the time; it is a large screen with constant commercials. Then people using their cell phones are not only talking on them, but typing on tiny keyboards. I watch as people who are shopping walk the aisles and talk loudly enough so the person on the other end of the conversation can hear them, forgetting they have an unwanted audience in the aisle inadvertently hearing them.
People wherever they are seem to always have something in their face, usually while they are trying to accomplish another task or tasks at the same time. So how was this book going to address what I was witnessing in my everyday life? I have to say this book is one everybody should read! It deals with the deeper more prevalent issue, the life of a Christ-follower in an age of technology .
From the Garden to the City is a book well-founded theologically. The author’s Biblical perspective helps everyone deal with balancing technology and being a Christian. He explains profoundly how God creates and uses technology, but not as we think of it today. Read this book and travel from Genesis to the present day for opinions regarding how we should view the use or non-use of the many mediums available to us. The following list is a few of the websites cited. Check them out!
http://www.howlongdoesittaketoreadthe...
http://donteatthefruit.com/
http://bestcommentaries.com/

My Blog: http://seekingwithallyurheart.blogspo...(less)

like · see review

Jan 07, 2012 Victor rated it 5 of 5 stars

Shelves: the-way, with-others, loaned

Dyer weaves media ecology, history of technology, and Biblical theology into a practical theology of technology. I've been waiting for someone to do this well, and Dyer blew me away.

A few quotes:

"In some sense, all of our technology can be understood as an attempt to overcome the effects of the fall. We create shovels and tractors to help us work the unruly land, and we invent soft bedding and epidurals to help ease the pain of childbearing. We build air conditioners and heaters to overcome th...more Dyer weaves media ecology, history of technology, and Biblical theology into a practical theology of technology. I've been waiting for someone to do this well, and Dyer blew me away.

A few quotes:

"In some sense, all of our technology can be understood as an attempt to overcome the effects of the fall. We create shovels and tractors to help us work the unruly land, and we invent soft bedding and epidurals to help ease the pain of childbearing. We build air conditioners and heaters to overcome the weather and drive-through windows to overcome our hunger. We invent lightbulbs to overcome the darkness and search engines to overcome our lack of wisdom. Each of these inventions brings us incredible benefits, and collectively they work to reduce the suffering that we experience from the curses of the fall. And yet, like Adam and Eve’s clothing, our technology never truly solves the deeper problem of sin that came with the fall."

"We bought our phones because we valued solving one problem (safety) without realizing that the phone also brings with it the value of constant connection. Then when we go for coffee with another person with our cell phone on, we are inadvertently agreeing to the value system issued by our cell phones, and this includes a value statement about the person in front of us. We are saying that we value not just his or her company but also the company of anyone else who might call. If instrumentalism were true, then the presence of the cell phones shouldn’t have an effect on our relationships, but experience tells us this is not true. On the other hand, if determinism were true, then we would have no choice as to whether or not we answer the call."

"Book + Photograph + Telegraph + Telephone = Internet
These four technological mediums—print, image, telegraph, and telephone—each uniquely transform an aspect of our lives. Print transforms our thinking, images transform our feeling, telegraphs transform our informing, and phones transform our relating. What do we get when we combine text, images, information access, and direct human-to-human connection? The answer is the most powerfully transformative technological system humans have ever created."

I highly recommend it.(less)

like · see review

Nov 14, 2011 Timothy rated it 5 of 5 stars · review of another edition

Shelves: read-reviewed-in-2011

Have you ever despaired of the advent of modern technology, and wondered why the Lord never said anything in His Word about this? Like me, have you struggled for how to handle the ever-ongoing advances in technological know-how in a God-honoring and God-fearing way? The truth is, I think that most of us have from time to time. We despair over finding the answer in God's Word.

In reality, we only had to, as the Lord would often chide his disciples, have faith. We merely needed to examine the Scri...more Have you ever despaired of the advent of modern technology, and wondered why the Lord never said anything in His Word about this? Like me, have you struggled for how to handle the ever-ongoing advances in technological know-how in a God-honoring and God-fearing way? The truth is, I think that most of us have from time to time. We despair over finding the answer in God's Word.

In reality, we only had to, as the Lord would often chide his disciples, have faith. We merely needed to examine the Scriptures, and the truth was there the whole time. John Dyer (who also holds a Th.M.), a successful internet programmer and developer and also the Director of Web Development at Dallas Theological Seminary, has researched this topic and provided many Scripturally sound answers in his new book, *From the Garden to the City*.

To be sure, this is not a complete or at all in-depth study of the topic. It is instead a nice overview for the average lay Christian of the relatively new discipline of “technological ecology”. This essentially is the study of how mankind and technology interact with, and influence, each other. And influence each other, they do, in ways that are not necessarily envisioned.

To be honest, the examples he uses are hard to give here because each one builds on another. But I can give an overview of the book quickly. Dyer begins by defining the concept of “technological ecology”, and then weaves a narrative encompassing Biblical times, previous history up until the present day, and then the contemporary issues we deal with in our daily lives. By doing this, he makes some points that I had not noticed before.

For instance, many of the same fears of difficulty of communication with technology versus face-to-face were concerns of the Apostles, and of our parents and grandparents in the past century. The technology has seemingly acted to exacerbate these problems, but they were always there. The key idea is that the pros and cons of a particular technology are not limited to a small area, such as through most of human history. Previous to the past few centuries, technology took quite some time to spread farther than the village the inventor lived in. During the past few centuries of the “technological age”, and especially the past one hundred years, this has changed. During this time, technology and ideas suddenly began to spread like wildfire across entire nations and even continents.

What is a Christian to do? To answer, Dyer takes a look at the Scriptures and finds that mention of technology is made all the way up through the New Earth. God will redeem our technology, Dyer argues, and we should start envisioning how to redeem it in the present time as far as we can. The “instrumentalist” (who believes technology has no influence on man's actions) and the “determinist” (who believes technology actually controls our actions to a great extent) are BOTH wrong, Dyer argues. We must look for how technology affects us individually and as a society, but we must not shun it anymore than give into it.

For every example of the supposed “evils” of technology, many good and worthwhile uses can be pointed out. Indeed, Dyer does just this throughout the book, especially pointing out how the current technologies make serving God possible in ways never before dreamt of.

If, like me, you have been wondering about what the Bible says of technology, then please pick up this book. It is packed with relevant historical and (most importantly of all) BIBLICAL information on the subject. Yet at just over 200 pages, it is a quick, and informative read. Some of the points have convicted me, and others encouraged and overjoyed me. Really, that's the highest praise for any book examining a subject in light of the Scriptures.

Highly Recommended. (less)

like · see review

Nov 16, 2011 Jared Totten rated it 4 of 5 stars

At the risk of sharing details that no one is interested in, the books that I review are always and only sent to me from publishers upon my request. So when Kregel Publications sent me two books unsolicited, I was certain there had been some sort of mistake. Only after contacting Kregel did I find there had been no error. Rather, Kregel is so excited and confident in their products, they decided to send them out to prior reviewers. Initially I was slow to pick up the books since I felt no obliga...more At the risk of sharing details that no one is interested in, the books that I review are always and only sent to me from publishers upon my request. So when Kregel Publications sent me two books unsolicited, I was certain there had been some sort of mistake. Only after contacting Kregel did I find there had been no error. Rather, Kregel is so excited and confident in their products, they decided to send them out to prior reviewers. Initially I was slow to pick up the books since I felt no obligation towards them, but in the end I caved...and am happy I did so.

As a former communications major at a Christian university, I've read a number of books addressing the intersection of technology and Christianity. These "theology of technology" books have almost always proven to be heavier on the technology side than the theology side. The authors, likewise, have more often proven to be students of Marshall McLuhan (a major figure in media theory) than students of the Word.

But that all changed as I read this latest book by John Dyer (ThM, Dallas Theological Seminary). From the Garden to the City has a biblical balance and insight to it that has been missing in all my previous reads. Dyer shows an uncanny ability to skillfully and faithfully weave the two seeming unrelated topics of faith and technology into quite an engaging book.

The very structure of the book follows the Christian metanarrative of creation, fall, redemption, and restoration. Dyer argues that (1) our ability to make technology is a reflection of our Creator, (2) every technology has the potential to be used for sin and rebellion, (3) technology can also be used for redemptive purposes, and (4) God's plan is the restoration of all things, including some of the things we make. Here's a thread of insights I felt made a significant connection:

Adam and Eve's very first act after sinning simultaneously reflected their programming as God's image-bearers, and their newfound sinfulness...
The clothing was their way of transforming their circumstances such that they would no longer rely on God for anything...
Technology can at the same time be both a reflection of the image of God and a subtle rebellion against him and his authority...
...technology is also one of the chief means by which humans attempt to create a world without God. As our technology grows more and more powerful, the illusion of control becomes increasingly convincing. (Chapter 5, "Rebellion")

Dyer does a masterful job of helping the Christian reflect on the nature of technology. If I have one critique, it is that there was not equal emphasis on how the Christian should respond to technology. Or put another way, at the cross-section of theology and technology Dyer gives us plenty of implications but not enough applications. (Perhaps a second book is in order?)

Living in the middle of a technological explosion (comparing the last 150 years with the span of human history), we should be all the more diligent in examining and "seeing through" the technology we use. Dyer warns, "When technology has distracted us to the point that we no longer examine it, it gains the greatest opportunity to enslave us."(less)

like · see review

Dec 09, 2012 Logan Lee rated it 4 of 5 stars

Shelves: 2012

I've grown tired of thesis-oriented, Christian books because I find most of them verbose with much regurgitation from other sources. Well, John Dyer's "From the Garden to the City" is bursting with originality and fresh perspective from someone with a unique blend of expertise: theology and technology. In our world where technology shapes culture, and often we're attempting to navigate these changes from a Christian persepctive, I found this book to be an immensely helpful guide.

like · see review

May 16, 2013 Blake rated it 3 of 5 stars

From the Garden to the City: The Redeeming and Corrupting Power of Technology is a smart, well-written treatise on the relationship between technology and theology. Fans of Neil Postman and Marshall McLuhan will appreciate Dyer's insights into how our current "media ecology" affects our theology. Tracing technology's use from the Garden of Eden to the present day, Dyer offers a well-balanced take on the good and evil of living in a digital age.

like · see review

Nov 11, 2012 Renah rated it 4 of 5 stars

Thought-provoking. His treatment of how the Industrial Revolution led to increased consumerism, etc., lacked the depth and quality of the rest of the book, and (pet peeve) the use of alliteration to frame the main ideas he was presenting was a bit annoying... but apart from those small gripes, very very worth reading. His point that we use technology not only as a distractor but also as a stand-in savior is very good, and I'd never thought much about the subtle ways the "objects" of technology s...more

like · see review

Mar 01, 2013 Michael Austin rated it 5 of 5 stars

An excellent overview of some major ideas in the philosophy of technology, coupled with an interesting analysis of the positive and negative moral aspects of technology from a Christian perspective. The writing is clear and interesting as well.

like · see review

Nov 13, 2011 Chris Krycho rated it 3 of 5 stars · review of another edition

Shelves: popular-theology

Dyer's book is an excellent introduction to a Christian view of media ecology. For those who have already spent any amount of time grappling with the issues Dyer raises, little he says will be surprising, but for many Christians, this popular treatment will be quite helpful. Dyer's prose isn't particularly beautiful, but it gets the job done well. Similarly, his exposition of Scripture isn't breathtaking, but it accomplishes its end effectively, and I suspect the vast majority of American evange...more

like · see review

Oct 24, 2011 Trevor M. rated it 4 of 5 stars

An excellent discussion of technology in its fullest definition and how it intersects with humanity and the life of the Christian. Highly recommended.

like · see review

Oct 06, 2012 Mystie Winckler rated it 4 of 5 stars

Shelves: 2012, culture, theology-holiness

Recommended by Doug Wilson.

Own.

A thorough yet brief look at what God has said about technology (man manipulating the world) from Pre-Fall Eden through Revelation, with applications made to today's digital technology and lifestyle. His style is fresh and humorous; it is written for the layman rather than the philosopher. He has many of the same cultural concerns as culture & technology critics, but without any pessimism. Rather, he develops how we can use what is available to us today wisely....more

like · see review

Dec 10, 2012 Benjamin rated it 4 of 5 stars

Fantastic. Great introduction to Media Ecology with built-in application from Scripture. The book I've been looking for.

like · see review

Apr 16, 2013 Mariam Varghese rated it 4 of 5 stars

Great book on understanding technology from a biblical perspective.

like · see review

Jul 23, 2012 Crystal is currently reading it

Tools shape us. Lots of thought provoking ideas so far.

like · see review

Feb 28, 2013 Job Dalomba rated it 4 of 5 stars

Shelves: 2013

I really enjoyed this book. Very helpful teaching on technology and Christianity.

like · see review

Aug 16, 2012 Joshua Skogerboe rated it 4 of 5 stars

I love this so far. Only on page 25, but I have been a fan of Dyer for years. His blog "Don't Eat the Fruit" is a brilliant examination of the intersection of faith and technology, and the benefits and consequences of the medium playing against (for good and bad) the message. As a minister of Jesus Christ who feels a strong call to remain technologically relevant and informed in this tech-savvy culture, I'm deeply grateful for John's insight.

like · see review

title link	preview: From the Garden to the City: The Redeeming and Corrupting Power of Technology
avg rating	preview: From the Garden to the City: The Redeeming and Corrupting Power of Technology Goodreads rating: 4.13 (105 ratings)
small image	preview: click here [close]
med image	preview: click here [close]
BBCode	[url=http://www.goodreads.com/book/show/11597901-from-the-garden-to-the-city?utm_medium=api&utm_source=blog_book][img]http://d.gr-assets.com/books/1348570727l/11597901.jpg[/img][/url] [url=http://www.goodreads.com/book/show/11597901-from-the-garden-to-the-city?utm_medium=api&utm_source=blog_book]From the Garden to the City: The Redeeming and Corrupting Power of Technology by John Dyer[/url]

From the Garden to the City: The Redeeming and Corrupting Power of Technology

Friend Reviews

Lists with This Book

Community Reviews

new topic
Discuss This Book

combine
Other Editions (1)

Genres

Books by John Dyer

Share This Book

Share This Book on Your Website

Trivia About From the Garden t...

From the Garden to the City: The Redeeming and Corrupting Power of Technology

Friend Reviews

Lists with This Book

Community Reviews

new topicDiscuss This Book

combineOther Editions (1)

Genres

Books by John Dyer

Share This Book

Share This Book on Your Website

Trivia About From the Garden t...

new topic
Discuss This Book

combine
Other Editions (1)